MINISTRY OF EDUCATION

Achievements of the

Ministry of Education

for the period

May 2010 to June 2013

Educational Planning Division

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20th February 2013

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PREAMBLE

The achievements presented in this Report represent the fulfillment of two and a half years of the People’s Partnership Government’s

stewardship in education as well as the first year of the roll-out of the Ministry’s Education Sector Strategic Plan 2011-2015.

Our strategies, programmes and projects are geared towards meeting the needs and interests of all learners while ensuring that they can attain their fullest potential and participate in a knowledge-based society. The Ministry has taken deliberate steps to set the agenda for quality education and human development in accordance with Government’s objectives for national development. This is evidenced in the new roadmap for the education system articulated in the Ministry’s Strategy Report, November 2010 and sixteen priority areas for action. Subsequently the Ministry’s Strategy Report and sixteen priority areas were consolidated into one document- Education Sector: Strategic Plan 2011-2015 and was approved by Cabinet in January 2012. This plan will serve as the Ministry’s main policy document for implementation of the goals for education.

Over the period May 2010 to December 2012 there were several noteworthy achievements by the Ministry that have significantly impacted the lives of our students from pre-primary to secondary levels. These achievements are detailed hereunder:

GOALS PROJECTS ACHIEVEMENTS – MAY 2010 TO JUNE 2013Goal 1: Design and Develop a Quality Education System

PRIORITY AREAS

1) Universal Early Childhood Care and Education

Completed the construction of twenty eight (28) Government ECCE centres over the last two and a half [2 ½] years namely: St. Augustine North, Roystonia, Maraval, Oropune, La Goya, Valencia, Bon Air West [Arouca], Malabar, La Horquetta South, Clarke Rochard , Coconut Drive, Edinburgh South, Harmony Hall, Retrench, Maraj Hill, Raghunanan Road, Egypt Village Trace, Carlsen Field, Golconda, Wellington Road, St. Mary’s, Union Hall, Phoenix Park, Lisas Gardens, Milton, Aranguez, Lower Cumuto and Cushe.

In October 2011, contractors were selected for the construction of twenty-four (24) ECCE Centres under the GORTT-IDB Seamless Education System Programme. Work has commenced at nineteen (19) sites namely: Arouca Pine Haven SDA, Barataria AC, Corinth Hills, Cunupia- St. Ambrose AC, Madras, Malabar, Mount Hope, Buen Intento, Salazar Trace, Jacob Hill, Palmiste, Bamboo, Arima New, Southern Gardens, Pleasantville, Brothers, La Ruffin, Maloney Gardens No.2, Quarry Village.

Identified sites for the construction of an additional twenty-six (26) IDB/GORTT

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GOALS PROJECTS ACHIEVEMENTS – MAY 2010 TO JUNE 2013funded ECCE Centres, including five (5) centres earmarked for construction in Tobago

Commissioned and opened thirteen (13) fully functional state-of-the-art ECCE Centres in FY2012

From August 2011, the Ministry in collaboration with the Ministry of Science Technology and Tertiary Education, The Accreditation Council of Trinidad and Tobago and Six tertiary level institutions namely: UTT, UWI, CREDI, USC, ROYTEC and SERVOL, commenced discussions to harmonize the training of ECCE teachers at the Certificate Level. As at March 2012, the Ministry concluded these discussions and has ensured the alignment of the Curriculum for ECCE Teacher Training and Certification at the tertiary level. These standards are comparable to those established by the Organization of American States and CARICOM.

The Ministry of Education has also commenced discussions to harmonize training at the Bachelor of Education level for all primary school teachers.

Commenced preparation for the establishment of Public-Private Partnerships in the provision of Early Childhood Care and Education.

In June 2012 the MOE hosted a series of consultations aimed at engaging private Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) providers to partner with the Ministry to achieve Universal Education (ECCE) by 2015. The consultations were scheduled as follows:-

Group 1 – ECCE Centres in the following Education Districts: Port of Spain and Environs, St. George East and North Eastern

Group 2 - ECCE Centres in the following Education Districts: Caroni, South Eastern, Victoria and St. Patrick

Group 3 - ECCE Centres in Tobago Status of the Phase I - twenty four (24) IADB ECCE centres is as follows:

o Eighteen (18) ECCE Centres are projected for completion, by August 2013, under the GORTT-IDB Seamless Education System Programme: Arouca Pine Haven SDA, Barataria AC, Corinth Hills, Cunupia- St. Ambrose AC, Madras, Malabar, Mount Hope, Buen Intento, Salazar Trace, Jacob Hill, Palmiste, Bamboo, Arima New, Southern Gardens, Pleasantville, Brothers, La Ruffin,

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GOALS PROJECTS ACHIEVEMENTS – MAY 2010 TO JUNE 2013Maloney Gardens No.2 and Quarry Village.o Six (6) additional ECCE Centres are projected for completion, by

December 2013, under the GORTT-IDB Seamless Education System Programme: St. Anns, La Ruffin, Enterprise, Mendez/Penal Quinam, Rancho Quemado and Fyzabad

Status of the Phase II - twenty six (26) IADB ECCE centres is as follows:o Twenty six (26) sites have been deemed unencumbered and can proceed for

mobilization and construction works. These sites have been forwarded to the EFCL for the commencement of the Design/construction phase. Construction of the Phase II ECCE centres is scheduled for completion in June 2014

o Five (5) of these sites are located in Tobago In August 2012, approximately 250 teaching staff (teachers, teacher assistants,

auxiliaries and Administrators) employed at government and government-assisted centres attended professional development sessions at the Rudranath Capildeo Learning Resource Centre in Couva

As at June 2013, the Ministry has commenced preparation for the drafting of public private partnership contracts with sixty-eight (68) private ECCE providers

During fiscal 2013, the Ministry has recruited thirty-six (36) teachers, eight (8) teacher-assistants, a Curriculum Coordinator and two (2) Curriculum Facilitators

Professional Training for teachers of private ECCE centres is carded for July 15-26 2013 at the UTT Teacher’s Training Colleges in Valsayn and Corinth. This training will account for 60 contact hours and a certificate will be offered for participation

Teachers from government and government-assisted centres will engage in professional development training during the months of July and August. Two training sessions will be held to accommodate all teachers on July 22nd – 26th and

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GOALS PROJECTS ACHIEVEMENTS – MAY 2010 TO JUNE 2013August 12th – 16th , 2013

2) Integrating ICTs in Education – Laptop Initiative

To date, the MOE has distributed approximately 54,329 laptops under its Laptop Initiative, in Fiscal Year 2010/2011, - 19,667, in Fiscal Year 2011/2012, - 17,300 and in Fiscal Year 2012/2013, - 17,362Financial Years 2010/2011 and 2011/2012Distributed a total of 36,967 laptops to the secondary level as follows:

19,667 laptops were distributed to 16,059 Form 1 students in Trinidad; 608 Form 1 students in Tobago and 3000 teachers in Trinidad and Tobago for the academic year 2010/2011.

For the academic year 2011/2012, 17,300 laptops were distributed to Form 1 students. The students received Lenovo laptops with carrying cases and 14 software packages provided by Microsoft as opposed to only seven (7) packages in 2010. These software packages include Office 2010 Professional, the visualization of Mathematics from basic to pre-calculus and the laws of Trinidad and Tobago. Also the laptops were equipped with improved security and monitoring features.

The Government spent an estimated $53 million in 2011/2012 which was about $30 million less than fiscal year 2010/2011, to provide every child going on to secondary school from the SEA with his or her own laptop. Each laptop cost approximately US$460; US$100 less than fiscal year 2010/2011.

A total of 467 laptops were distributed to primary school principals in December 2011. The laptops are equipped with packages on instructional materials and other digital information.

The Laptop Initiative or the eConnect and Learn Programme was expanded to include the provision of a digital education portal, teaching training, and wireless connectivity in secondary schools, educational content software and the infusion of technology into the curriculum.

Training in the infusion of Information Communication Technology (ICT) into curriculum delivery was conducted by the National Energy Skill Company (NESC) for Heads of Departments, Vice Principals, Principals, Curriculum Officers and School Supervisors III.

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GOALS PROJECTS ACHIEVEMENTS – MAY 2010 TO JUNE 2013

The first eCAL ICT in Education Innovative Award which rewards excellence in ICT integration in teaching and learning in schools, was held in 2011. Four teachers attended the Caribbean and Latin America Forum in Santiago de Chile. One teacher from Trinidad and Tobago emerged winner and later participated at the Global Forum, Washington in November, 2011.

Financial Year 2012/2013

Distributed laptops to seventeen thousand, three hundred and sixty-two (17,362) Form 1 students in one hundred and fifty-two (152) secondary schools, under the eCAL-Laptop Initiative. All laptops were imaged with a total of twenty-nine (29) software

Distributed four hundred and seventy-six (476) laptops to primary school principals

Conducted training for seven thousand, seven hundred and thirty-four (7,734) teachers in a series of courses aimed at equipping staff with the necessary skills to infuse ICTs into their Teaching and Learning Strategies/Activities

Collaborated with Microsoft Inc. to host three (3) eCAL ICT in Education Innovative Award competitions in recognition of the efforts of teachers in infusing ICT into the curricula of both primary and secondary schools

Trained thirty-five (35) Curriculum Officers, using the Distance Education modality, to support the integration of ICTs in curriculum delivery

Developed ICT integrated instructional packages for Forms 1-3 for seven (7) subject areas

Developed instructional and assessment materials for seven (7) subjects areas

Continued to successfully operate twenty-six (26) National Open School of Trinidad and Tobago (NOSTT) Centres with enrolments totaling approximately five thousand (5,000) persons.

The National Library and Information System (NALIS) completed the registration of over thirteen thousand (13,000) Form 1 students as part of the eCAL programme. This will ensure that students have access to e-resources on NALIS’ website

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GOALS PROJECTS ACHIEVEMENTS – MAY 2010 TO JUNE 2013 Commenced tendering procedures for the manufacture, supply and distribution of

laptops to secondary schools in Trinidad and Tobago for the academic year 2013/2014 Commenced tendering procedures for the manufacture, supply and distribution of

laptops to secondary schools in St. Lucia for the academic year 2013/2014 Commenced the design of the Ministry’s digital portal and LMS. Work is on-going re

the uploading of content material to the new website Prepared a Draft ICT in Education Policy

3) Improving Infrastructure in Schools

Biche Presbyterian Primary was upgraded and reopened at the start of the new academic year in September, 2011

Contracts were awarded in 2011 for the construction of Rose Hill RC, Belmont Boys RC and Paramin RC schools

The long anticipated refurbishment/rehabilitation of the Biche High School was completed and the school opened its doors in September, 2011, ten years after initial construction.

Over the past two and half (2½) years the Ministry of Education has completed the construction of thirteen (13) primary schools: St. Barbara’s Spiritual Shouter Baptist, Tunapuna Government, Balmain Presbyterian, Charlieville Presbyterian, Riversdale Presbyterian, Biche Presbyterian (upgraded), Penal Rock Road SDMS, Lengua Presbyterian, Palo Seco Government, Arima New Government, Mt. Pleasant Government, Tulsa Trace SDMS and Arima West Government

Over the past two and half (2½) years the Ministry of Education has completed the construction of and formally opened four (4) secondary schools, namely: Marabella South, Aranguez North, Couva West Government and Five Rivers

Construction work is on-going at eight (8) additional secondary schools, namely: Five Rivers Secondary, Barataria North Secondary, St. Joseph Secondary, Carapichaima West Secondary, Mt Hope Secondary, Princes Town East Secondary, Aranguez North Secondary and Couva West Secondary.

Under the Ministry’s repair and maintenance programme for schools, we have completed works at approximately three hundred and fifty (350) primary and secondary schools of which, seventy-seven (77) primary and secondary schools were repaired during the July-August 2012 vacation period.

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GOALS PROJECTS ACHIEVEMENTS – MAY 2010 TO JUNE 2013

4) Curriculum Reform

Hosted a two (2) day National Consultation on the Primary Schools’ Curriculum in April, 2011 at which approximately seven hundred (700) persons were in attendance.

Held seven (7) District Consultations, as well as another in Tobago, on the Primary School Curriculum at which approximately two thousand and ninety (2,090) students, parents, teachers, administrators and Ministry personnel were in attendance.

Hosted two (2) subject-specific stakeholder consultations on the inclusion of non-traditional subject areas such as the Visual and Performing Arts and Physical Education at the primary level up to Standard Five. Seventy (70) persons, including fifteen (15) contributors, participated and shared their views on the importance of both subjects to holistic child development.

Posted all relevant documents of the Primary Schools’ Curriculum on the Ministry’s website to elicit the widest communication and feedback possible.

Hired a Consultant to commence the revision of the primary schools’ curriculum in nine (9) subject areas. The contract commenced in June 2012 and will continue to August 2013. The subject areas for review and revision have been expanded to include Agricultural Science and Character Education.

Provided resources to primary schools to support the delivery of the Health and Family Life Education (HFLE) component of the curriculum.

5) Enhanced Literacy and Numeracy

The Project Plan for improving literacy and numeracy levels in students enrolled in Infants Department to Standard I was approved by the Strategic Executive Team of the Ministry of Education.

Twenty (20) pilot schools throughout the eight (8) education districts were selected for the conduct of a Pilot Programme towards the preparation of a detailed training plan

In 2010/2011 under the Centre of Excellence for Teacher Training, the project designed to improve the reading skills of students in primary schools; reading workshops were held for three hundred (300) teachers and one hundred (100)

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GOALS PROJECTS ACHIEVEMENTS – MAY 2010 TO JUNE 2013principals.

All Primary School Principals have been requested to assign their best teachers to Infants Year I and II and Standard I to ensure that there is effective foundational development for our students from an early age

Recorded a decrease in the percentage of students scoring 30% and under in the SEA by 0.8 points, i.e. from 9.9% (2011) to 9.1% (2012)

Developed a Literacy and Numeracy Plan focusing on raising the level of achievement of students from the Infants to Standard 1 levels. Elements of the Plan include: The conduct of a pilot project in select schools Collection and analysis of data Training of numeracy coaches The formation of literacy teams with teachers working in their respective

schools. Trained forty (40) Literacy and forty (40) Numeracy Coaches. The Literacy Coaches

included graduates of the M.Ed. Reading Programme.

Recorded the graduation of sixty-two (62) young persons with improved reading skills from the NALIS Youth Literacy Programme – ALTA,

Conducted the National Young Adult Quiz Competition 2012. Nineteen (19) schools participated in this initiative which was aimed at promoting positive reading habit among the youths of the nation.

6) Movement of the Secondary Entrance Assessment Examination to May

From June 22nd, 2011 to 19th August, 2011 meetings were held with stakeholders including TTUTA, NPTA and Denominational Boards, to discuss the change of date for SEA. Further, Cabinet granted approval for the change of date of the SEA from March to May.

The movement of the Secondary Entrance Assessment from March to May was effected for the academic year 2011/2012. The next SEA examination was held on May 10, 2012. For the first time a cohort of seventeen thousand, eight hundred and sixty-three (17,863) students had the benefit of the full standard five curriculum and as such was more prepared to sit and succeed at the SEA examinations. The initial

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GOALS PROJECTS ACHIEVEMENTS – MAY 2010 TO JUNE 2013impact of this initiative was the increase in the number of students scoring above 30% in the SEA examination.

7) Expansion of the Technical/ Vocational Programme, with emphasis on CVQs, into all secondary schools

In 2010, 1,718 students wrote the CVQs while in 2011, forty-four (44) secondary schools involving 1,400 students participated in the CVQ standards/units in twenty-three (23) occupational areas including: Air conditioning and refrigeration, Auto-mechanics, Beauty therapy, Information technology usage and support, Food preparation and Poultry rearing.

The 2011 CXC results revealed that five hundred and twenty-four (524) students received full CVQ awards. In addition, nine thousand, four hundred (9,400) Unit Awards in various subject areas were issued.

In 2012, the MOE developed a partnership with the National Training Agency (NTA) for the training of teachers (secondary schools) as Assessors and Heads of Departments as Internal Verifiers. By the end of fiscal 2012, we trained five hundred (500) Information Technology and Technical Vocational Teachers as Assessors.

Sixty-five (65) secondary schools currently offer CVQ subjects i.e. forty-eight (48) government schools; seventeen (17) denominational schools. Sixty-nine (69) will be offering CVQ subjects from September 2012.

By the end of 2011-2012 academic year forty six (46) schools were registered to do CVQ exams. Out of this number, forty four (44) actually offered candidates for the exams.

One thousand and eighty three (1083) candidates wrote the CVQ exams in twenty-five (25) occupational areas. A total of four thousand, four hundred and ninety-seven (4,497) units were awarded. Five hundred and eighty three (583) persons obtained full units. At present, the MOE is collaborating with MIC for training of teachers in the specialized craft areas.

The MOE is also working with MIC and will collaborate with UTT towards having a Bachelor’s programme developed combining the pedagogy and specialized craft components.

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GOALS PROJECTS ACHIEVEMENTS – MAY 2010 TO JUNE 2013 In June 2012, eighty four (84) government schools were given funding in the sum of

$100,000 for CVQ programmes. The Curriculum Division has the mandate to ensure these funds are utlilized for the CVQ Programme.

As at June 2013: 91 secondary schools are currently doing CVQ 44 additional schools commenced CVQ in the academic year 2012/2013 37 secondary schools are expanding in new occupational areas Principals of secondary schools have been using the hundred thousand dollars for the roll-out of the CVQ Expansion

8) Teacher Training and Development

In 2012, the MOE commenced the conduct of a baseline study of primary and secondary school teachers’ performance in May 2012. Survey findings will be used to inform a model for the professional development of teachers

Conducted professional development training for thirty-five (35) Curriculum Officers to support teachers in the delivery of the Health and Family Life Education (HFLE) curriculum

Trained one hundred and fifty (150) Secondary School Technology Education and CVQ teachers through workshops conducted by the Ministry of Energy and Energy Affairs in its Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency programme

Improved Teacher skills in the assessment of the national curriculum in all eight (8) core subjects through the training of eighty (80) Primary School and eighty (80) Secondary School teachers

In keeping with its effort to develop a critical mass of leaders to lead the transformation initiatives, the Ministry conducted a leadership conference for school principals and administrators, the theme of which was ‘The Leader in me”. The objective was to enhance the leadership skills of key personnel entrusted with the responsibility of facilitating and supporting the transformation initiative.

Commenced the reclassification process for the teaching staff at the secondary level as an integral part of the Government’s thrust to modernize the education system and

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GOALS PROJECTS ACHIEVEMENTS – MAY 2010 TO JUNE 2013improve the overall standard of teaching at the nation’s schools.

Conducted workshops on Discipline for Principals of Secondary and Primary schools Completed review meetings with TTUTA dealing with the review of the Performance

Management Appraisal Process Manual. Sign off obtained. xxxxxxx

9) Improving Students’ Overall Academic Performance

Guidance and support is being provided to students, parents and schools to improve the overall standards of performance in all the 2012 Examinations. The following was completed:-

Provision of examination materials (past papers and study guides) Monitoring and support towards the completion of school based assessment (SBAs)

by students Provision of guidelines and strategies for assisting students re: preparation of

examinations, coping with examination stresses and anxieties.

School Nutrition Programme

The Ministry continued to provide highly nutritious breakfast and lunch meals to students at ECCE Centres, primary and secondary schools. As at July 31, 2011, on a daily basis 56,925 students received breakfast meals and 97,394 students received lunch meals.

As at March 31st, 2012 on a daily basis fifty-nine thousand, two hundred and twenty-two (59,222) breakfast meals and ninety-seven thousand, four hundred and eighteen (97,418) lunches were distributed to students.

As at March 31st, 2013 on a daily basis fifty-nine thousand, nine hundred and fifty-eight (59,958) breakfast meals and ninety-seven thousand, one hundred and sixty-four (97,164) lunches were distributed to pre-primary, primary and secondary school students

Incident free meal service for the reporting period Continued Nutrition Education sessions. Schools visited were:

o Marabella Government Primary School

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GOALS PROJECTS ACHIEVEMENTS – MAY 2010 TO JUNE 2013o Charlieville Government Primary Schoolo Pleasantville Government Primary Schoolo Mayo R.C. Primary Schoolo Santa Rosa Government Primary School

Continued involvement in the international Development Research Centre (IDRC) CARICOM Food Security 2011-2014 Project:

o Food Safety Training and Bulk Food Production Training conducted for the staff of the school Feeding Kitchen, St. Kitts (January 2013)

o Recipe testing and standardization and nutrient analyses of menu cycles Collaborative work with NAMDEVCO to develop and implement a monitoring

system with registered farms aimed at further increasing the use of local produce to the SNP

Launched an initiative with the Ministry of TESY where OJTs will have access to SNP kitchens to develop and hone their skills in culinary arts (January 2013)

Facilitated the placement of OJT and Multi-sector Skills Training (MUST) trainees at SNP kitchens

Performance of Students at various examinations National Test - Performance of Students in Mathematics and Language Arts

In 2012, 18,542 students in Standard 1 and 19,948 students in Standard 3 wrote the National Test in Mathematics and Language Arts. There has been an overall increase in the percentage of students meeting or exceeding standards (Levels 3 and 4) required for standards 1 and 3 in Mathematics and Language Arts in 2012 compared to the period 2008 to 2012. In Mathematics there was about 40 % improvement in Standards 1 and 3, while literacy levels improved by about 50 % in Standards 1 and 3. Based on the Academic Performance Index there was a significant improvement in the performance of schools in 2012 when compared to the period 2009 to 2012. The number of schools excelling improved by 800% from 2011 (15 schools) to 2012 (121schools). There was a reduction of schools under academic watch by 80%. In 2011, 120 schools were under academic watch while in 2012 the figure was 28 schools.

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GOALS PROJECTS ACHIEVEMENTS – MAY 2010 TO JUNE 2013

Secondary Entrance Assessment A total of seventeen thousand, eight hundred and sixty-three [17,863] students [9,967]

boys and 8,896 girls] wrote the SEA in 2012. Over the period 2008-2012, the number of students writing the SEA averaged over 17,000, of which, approximately 94% were placed at 5 and 7 year government and government assisted secondary schools. There has also been a steady decline in the number of students placed at Pre-Vocational Centres. Over the five year period 2008-2012, there has been a steady decline in the number of students re-writing the SEA. In 2008, there were 831 (4.7%) repeaters while by 2012 the figures had dropped significantly to 371 (2.1%).

Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate Examination(CSEC) A total of 30,791 candidates were registered for 35 subjects at the 2012 Caribbean

Secondary Education Certificate Examination (CSEC). Of the total 110, 795 subject entries, 59.5% (65, 936) obtained Grades 1 – III. Of this amount 13.8% (15, 239) obtained Grade 1, 20.3% (22, 475) obtained Grade II and 25.5% (28, 221) obtained Grade III.

42.8% (6, 502) of the students were successful in five or more subjects. The percentage of students who obtained five or more subjects with English A and Mathematics was 34.8% (5, 135)

Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) Students continued to excel at the CAPE. The performance of students at this

examination has been consistently high over the period 2008-2012. Over 90% of the students gained passes in Unit I and Unit II over the five years except for the year 2010 when 88% gained passes in Units I and II. In 2012, the pass rate for Unit I subject entries was 94% while it was 93.2% for Unit II subject entries.

Award of National Scholarships based on CAPE Results In 2012, the Government awarded 372 National Scholarships comprising seventy (70)

open and three hundred and two (302) additional scholarships based on the CAPE

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GOALS PROJECTS ACHIEVEMENTS – MAY 2010 TO JUNE 20132012. The Government decided to increase the number of national scholarship from 329 in 2010 and 354 in 2011 to 372 in 2012. The estimated annual cost for the award of all 372 national scholarships is fifty three million, seven hundred and two thousand dollars ($53,702,000.00). Scholarships were awarded in ten (10) subject groups which include Business, Environmental Science, Languages, Mathematics, Modern Studies/Humanities, Natural Sciences, Technical Studies, Technological Studies, General Studies and Visual and Performing Arts.

Additionally, two President’s Medals were awarded to the highest performing students in the examinations. One of the recipients was a student from Naparima College, San Fernando, who top performed in Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Environmental Studies, while the other student was from Presentation College, Chaguanas who was the top performer in Business, Languages, Modern Studies, Technical Studies, Technological Studies, Visual and Performing Arts and General Studies.

10) Testing and Neuro-Diagnostics of children

Consistent with its vision for the healthy, happy and normal development of children, the Ministry has prioritized the delivery of specialized services to treat with the neurological and educational development of students. A project for the Testing and Neuro-Diagnostics of Children was initiated for this purpose. The objectives of this project are to:

Conduct a pilot exercise with eight (8) ECCE Centres and eight (8) Primary schools, which will comprise the screening, assessment, intervention planning and treatment for learners

To design, develop and implement multi-disciplinary services for delivery to those students requiring specialised support along with the best-fit framework for such delivery

Utilize the evaluated results and market data to design and develop the most effective and economic strategy for the continued and universalised screening, assessment, intervention planning and treatment of children, along with an in-sight into the combinations of social, physical and environmental factors which influence their actions and their preparedness for learning and education

Design and develop a programme to assess and address all the main factors affecting

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GOALS PROJECTS ACHIEVEMENTS – MAY 2010 TO JUNE 2013the child and his/her development, including school, parents/guardians/ caregivers, teachers/principals and classroom interactions

The achievements of the project to date are: technical assistance was procured through the award of a contract for the development and implementation of appropriate strategies, plans and structures for children understanding, to address the needs of all children, and for the design and delivery of suitable children services.

Conducted audio/visual tests over the period September 2012 to December 2012 for 90% of Infant Year I students entering primary school. This was done in conjunction with the Ministry of Health.

In fiscal 2013, the Ministry has completed the screening processes and commenced intervention services at the pilot schools in five (5) educational district namely: St. George East, Port-of-Spain and Environs, North Eastern, Caroni and Tobago

Intervention services are not currently taking place in the Education Districts of Eastern and St. Patrick because placement letters for the On the Job-Trainees (who were trained for this programme) were not issued by the National Training Agency.

The results of the screening done in all districts have shown that the actual percentage of students requiring intervention is notably higher, with an average of 75%, than the original estimates of 30%. The impact of these higher percentages has required an increase of the number of resources in the ICAN room. These resources include furniture, computers, headphones, ICAN room facilitators/OJT’s and space requirements of the ICAN room itself. These extra resources are being addressed by the Ministry of Education in an attempt to have it resolved as soon as possible. The number of children currently receiving intervention (28%) is based on the present resourcing of the ICAN room. A considerable number of children requiring intervention are not receiving it because NTA cannot provide additional OJTS for the project. Level 2 assessment started on 2nd July, 2013 at St. Mary’s Government School. Provisions have been made for this assessment to continue during the first week of school vacation until it is completed. Student who missed the initial assessment at the St. Mary’s Government School were

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GOALS PROJECTS ACHIEVEMENTS – MAY 2010 TO JUNE 2013screened on 2nd and 3rd of July, 2013. Provisions have been made for this screening to continue during the first week of the school vacation until it is completed.

11) Continuous Assessment Programme (CAP)

On December 31st, 2011, Physical Education and VAPA were included as part of the curriculum. On January 31st, 2012 a framework was developed for the introduction of CAP in primary schools and on March 31st, 2012, CXC was engaged for the inclusion of CAP in SEA.

The Ministry introduced a system of School Based Assessment for primary school students. This will ensure that students are assessed over a period of time, in subjects such as Physical Education; Visual and Performing Arts (Music, Visual Arts, Dance, Theatre); Citizenry Development; Health and Family Life Education; Social Studies; Agri-Science; Morals; Values and Ethics; Language Arts and Mathematics. This initiative will be introduced in the 2012/2013 academic year to Standard 4 and Standard 5 students. Effectively the CAP will contribute to forty percent (40%) of the SEA score by 2014. Students will no longer be faced with ‘do or die’ final exit exam thus greatly relieving the stress the students undergo while ensuring they receive a more holistic education.

During the last year the MOE successfully administered on December 4 th 2012, the first Writing Practice Assessment of the CAC English Arts for Standard five students. The Second Practice Assessment is scheduled for 31st January, 2013.

Draft agreement being considered between CXC and Ministry of Education for assessment support. A workshop was held on July 30th, 012 to review the plan for CAC, its status and further planning and resourcing requirements.

Secured the agreement of CXC and finalized the framework for inclusion of CAP in the SEA in March 31, 2012

Implemented an intensive training programme to support the implementation of CAC in September 2012. The contents of the training programme covered the process approach to writing and scoring to ensure objectivity in marking of students writing and the use of marking schemes supplied by the Ministry of EducationThe personnel trained include -o 72 Facilitators

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GOALS PROJECTS ACHIEVEMENTS – MAY 2010 TO JUNE 2013o 828 Standard V Teacherso 609 Standards IV Teachers

Developed eleven thousand (11,000) training manuals and three thousand (3,000) CDs for distribution as teaching aids

Scaled up the resources at five hundred and fifty-seven (557) primary schools to support the delivery of the expanded curriculum

Trained primary school teachers in a process approach to writing and scoring to ensue objectivity in marking of students writing as well as to use the same marking scheme supplied by the MOE

Training for thirty-four (34) Curriculum Officers, forty-one (41) School Supervisors and a group of one hundred and twenty-one (121) persons as CAC monitors conducted by CXC

Provided additional administrative support to school principals through the placement of over one thousand (1,000) On-the-Job trainees

Conducted a sensitization programme for Principals and other stakeholders through the conduct of conferences, fraternity meetings, cluster group meetings, face to face interviews and telephone calls. Also printed presentations with background information and implementation plans, Administrators’ booklets, memoranda and Question and Answer booklets were developed for school principals.

Provided writing note books /portfolios to students at no additional cost to parents. Provided teachers with copies of a text which utilizes Caribbean based themes and

methodologies to support the teaching of writing.

12) Career Guidance and Development in Secondary Schools

The Ministry is proposing to provide the required guidance and instruction to students that will assist in their career development and transition into the world of work. For the academic year 2011/2012, sixty percent (60%) of secondary schools have participated in the Career Guidance Programme of the Ministry. Plans were finalized for the hosting of a series of career fairs across the education districts in Trinidad and Tobago and will commence in January 2013.

In fiscal 2013, thirty-six thousand (36,000) students form one hundred and thirty (130) schools throughout Trinidad and Tobago participated at the Ministry’s National

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GOALS PROJECTS ACHIEVEMENTS – MAY 2010 TO JUNE 2013District Career Fairs.

Goal 2: Transform the Ministry into a Modern, High-Performing Organisation

13) Organisational Restructuring and Institutional Strengthening

The first level of the organizational structure of the Ministry of Education was developed. Divisional and Unit Heads continue to work to identify key issues and to review their purpose, function and structure towards completion of the organizational structure build out.

14) Human Resource Development and Management

Technical Assistance for the conduct of an organizational review of the Human Resource Management Division of the Ministry of Education, leading to the design and development of an appropriate HRM strategy and implementation plan for all its processes inclusive of its IHRIS. Request for Proposal was sent to the nine (9) qualified bidders on July 25th, 2012 by the Central Tenders Board. Closing date for RFP was August 23rd, 2012.

As at June 30th, 2013, the draft contract for this consultancy was being finalized by the Chief State Solicitor’s Department and the Central Tenders Board.

Work is on-going to ensure effective implementation of the Workforce Administration Module for the IHRIS.

Goal 3: Engage Stake-holders in the Transformation of the Education System

15) Parental and Stakeholder Engagement, Involvement and Support

Hosted Stakeholder Engagement Workshops for internal and external stakeholders to elicit the widest possible views on the Ministry’s Strategy Report, November, 2010.

The Ministry of Education honoured the nation’s teachers as part of its celebration of World’ Teacher Day (October 5 2011).

Over 450 primary school Principals, School Supervisors, Representatives of TTUTA, NPTA, Denominational Boards, UWI, UTT, participated in the Primary School Principals’ Workshop on November 15, 2011 at Centre of Excellence.

Tobago School for Special Needs Children was open on December 15, 2011. One hundred and fifty-eight (158) SEA Top Performing Students (attaining scores of

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GOALS PROJECTS ACHIEVEMENTS – MAY 2010 TO JUNE 201395% and over) were honoured by the MOE at the Hyatt on 4th February 2012.

Over 240 retirees were honoured by the MOE on 11th February, 2012 at the HYATT.

Ministry of Education a hosted Corporate Bodies Consultation on the alignment of extra- curricular activities with the key objectives of MOE. More than 250 NGOs, FBOs and other organizations participated.

The Task Force on Violence and Indiscipline in schools was established under the chairmanship of the Minister in the Ministry of Education. The Task Force comprises persons from the Ministries of Sport, People and Social Development, Community Development, National Security, The Solicitor General’s Office, National Parent Teachers Association (NPTA), Association of Principals of Public Secondary Schools, Association of Principals of Assisted Secondary Schools, Association of Denominational Boards, Trinidad and Tobago Unified Teachers’ Association and representatives from the Ministry of Education.

The National Student Hotline was activated in collaboration with Childline, a registered non-profit organization, and the Ministry of the People and Social Development. The project provides a twenty–four (24) hour, free telephone service for children and young adults. Childline, the host of the National Student Hotline, offers children and adolescents counseling on a wide range of issues that affect their lives.

Secondary school students participated in the Eco-Song Competition organized by the Environmental Management Authority (EMA). The Ministry of Education has also partnered with the EMA over the past 12 years on the Primary Schools’ ‘Hands-On’ Competition and the Secondary Schools’ Dramatic Envirologue (Forms 4-6).

The MOE hosted a “Principal’s Leadership Conference” on ‘The Leader in Me’ programme at the Centre of Excellence, Macoya on March 27, 2012. ‘The Leader in Me’ project to create leadership personalities will be used for early childhood care

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GOALS PROJECTS ACHIEVEMENTS – MAY 2010 TO JUNE 2013and education, primary and secondary schools.

MOE strengthened its relationships with stakeholders by holding meetings on a regular basis to extensively discuss issues relating to education. Meetings were held with TTUTA and the NPTA. As a result, the Ministry got full support from these organizations with respect to the change of the date of the SEA from March to May 2012. In the spirit of collaboration TTUTA was invited to assign a representative to sit on the national Council for Early Childhood Care and Education which will comprise members of the Ministry of Education, private sector and universities, among others. TTUTA is one of the Ministry’s key stakeholders whose input is highly valued and respected, therefore the Ministry remains committed to strengthening its working relationship with TTUTA to address some of the vexing problems affecting the schools.

Training sessions regarding the CAC of the SEA were held from July 23 rd to August 25th, 2012 for teachers of standard IV and V; school administrators and parent/guardians of students being home schooled.

The MOE has partnered with the Ministry of National Security to implement the National Mentorship Programme (NMP). The National Mentorship Programme is geared towards positive youth development, and is aimed at young people between the ages of 9 to 25 years, from primary to tertiary level, as well as youths in general who may not have had the opportunity to be exposed to a stable mentor.

At present, there are 190 mentees (150 males and 40 females) with mentors registered in the programme and 104 mentees awaiting mentors. One hundred and fourteen (114) mentors have completed the training programme with 53 mentors matched and 32 mentors tentatively matched to mentees.

NIL 16) Seamless Education System (SES)

In 2010-2011 the SES programme was realigned to the new goals and objectives of the Ministry. The SES programmed evolved from a loan agreement between IADB and the government of Trinidad and Tobago. In this regard, Cabinet’s approval was granted for the establishment of the Programme and Projects Planning and Management Unit (PPPMU). This Unit will serve as the single point of management for all programmes and projects of the MOE. The major benefits from this approach include harmonisation of

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GOALS PROJECTS ACHIEVEMENTS – MAY 2010 TO JUNE 2013efforts, common use of projects and change management methodologies, core and support business processes.

Under the SES the following activities were completed:-

(1) Twenty Consultancy (20) projects were identified for which the scope of consultancies started/completed: Programme and Projects Planning and Management Internal Ministry of Education (MOE) Resourcing Leadership and Governance Training Organizational Structuring Business Process Transformation Human Resource Management Process Transformation Integrated Human Resource Information System (IHRIS) Implementation School Supervision School Infrastructure Supply and Condition Exam, Testing and Assessment Teaching and Teachers Children Understanding and Children Services Curriculum Revision (Primary Section) Transition of students to different “schooling” and work Standardisation and Simplification/Total Quality Management (TQM) People Engagement, Change and Transition School Based Management (SBM) Information communication Technology (ICT) Strategy, Planning and

Implementation Management Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Strategy and Plan

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GOALS PROJECTS ACHIEVEMENTS – MAY 2010 TO JUNE 2013 Communications Strategy

(2) Developed Terms of Reference (TORs) and prepared budgets for the above Re-profiled consultancies.

(3) Contracts were awarded for the:(a) Technical Assistance in Developing, Revising and implementing Curriculum in

seven (7) subject areas at the Primary Level on January 23rd, 2012 by Central Tenders Board (CTB). Contract documents were prepared, finalized and accepted by the IDB Implementation teams are being mobilized.

(b) conduct of a Baseline Survey of Teacher Performance, Parent and Student Attitudes and Achievement. Contract signed and work is expected to commence May 2012. Implementation teams being mobilized.

(4) Developed and advertised Expressions of Interest (EOI) for the following consultancies:- Communications Strategy Technical Advisor to the Minister of Education Midterm and Final Evaluation of the Programme

(5) Developed and circulated Request for Proposals (RFP’s) for the following consultancies: Revision of the Primary School Curriculum Baseline Survey of Teacher Performance and Student attitudes – (Contract

signed and the project had started)(6) Facilitated and funded the National consultation on the Primary School Curriculum

for feedback for the revision of the curriculum.a) Other Projects Completed:-

Draft Transformation of Seamless Education System (SES) Unit to the Programme and Projects Planning and Management Unit.

Audit of the SES Programme for the period of October 1st, 2009 – September 30th 2011.

Procurement of vehicles, computers and other technological equipment for the Educational Planning, Early Childhood Care (ECCE) and

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GOALS PROJECTS ACHIEVEMENTS – MAY 2010 TO JUNE 2013Curriculum Planning and Development and SES Divisions in accordance with the loan conditionality.

Recruitment of a Technical Adviser to the Minister of Education for developing the MOE Strategy.

Recruitment and alignment of the key personnel in the Programme and Projects Planning and Management Unit.

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